Pupils of Gaelscoil Rafteirí, Castlebar, with members of the school's parents committee, who officially launched the voluntary No Smartphone Code alongside community gardaí, Mick Toland and Olive Lafferty.

Mayo Gaelscoil launches voluntary No Smartphone Code

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Gaelscoil Raifteirí, Castlebar, in partnership with its parents committee, has launched a voluntary No Smartphone Code to promote online safety and pupil wellbeing.

The initiative received strong support from the school community.

Central to its success is pupil ownership, with children making their own pledge alongside their parents to delay smartphone ownership and access to social media until after primary school.

The code encourages pupils to make positive choices, prioritising friendships, outdoor play, sport, family time and activities away from screens.

By making this commitment together, families are helping to reduce peer pressure surrounding smartphone ownership and protect children’s wellbeing.

Community gardaí attended the school launch, reinforcing the importance of online safety and responsible technology use.

The voluntary initiative reflects a shared commitment by pupils, parents and the wider school community to give children more time to enjoy childhood, free from the pressures of smartphones and social media.

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